KM hotel stand-off ends with tragedy

KING MOUNTAIN — The City of Kings Mountain released an update to the situation that has engulfed the attention of the people and law enforcement of Kings Mountain.

Courtesy photo

The updated statement reads:

On the morning of Saturday, August 9, 2025, at approximately 8:05 a.m., officers responded to the Holiday Inn Express in Kings Mountain, NC, to conduct a well-being check related to a missing person report filed on Friday, August 8, 2025, out of South Carolina.

Upon arrival, 38-year-old Casey Justin Whitman (07/24/1987) of Inman, SC, was located in a room at the hotel and was found to be in possession of a firearm. For safety, officers immediately retreated and initiated the evacuation of surrounding areas within the hotel. The Kings Mountain Police Department called for the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office to assist in negotiating operations.

After nearly eight hours of negotiating, the sound of what was believed to be a gunshot was heard coming from inside the hotel room.

Several attempts to make contact were unsuccessful. The decision was made to make entry into the room, where (Whitman) was located with a self-inflicted wound. Lifesaving attempts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Immediate family has been notified, as we send our deepest condolences. Kings Mountain Police Department would like to thank Cleveland County Sheriff's Office and Cleveland County EMS for their assistance today.

Although police presence is still on scene investigating, Woodlake Parkway is back open and the hotel property has been deemed safe.

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